Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
About
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belongs to the group of medicines known as ‘antiviral medicines’ used to control HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that over time leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate contains ‘Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate’ which is an antiviral/HIV medicine and works by prevents the development of the virus in human cells. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.
Take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate based on your medical condition. Some people may experience diarrhea, rash, nausea, pain, weakness, and stomach pain. Most of these side effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be taken if you are allergic to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate or any other contents present in it. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. This medicine should not be given to adolescents with a history of kidney failure. If you have liver disease including hepatitis B or C, then you should not take this Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to avoid driving while using Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate as Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause dizziness that may affect the ability to drive or use machines. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be used for children less than 12 years of age.
Uses of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
Medicinal Benefits
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belongs to the group of medications called ‘antiretroviral drugs’ used to control HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate decreases the amount of HIV in your body. Therefore, your immune system may work better. This reduces your chance of getting complications of HIV like new infections, cancer and enhances your quality of life. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate works by prevents the development of viruses in human cells. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Nausea
- Pain
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be taken if you are allergic to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate or any other contents present in it. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be taken in the conditions like liver disease, bone problems kidney disease. This medicine should not be given to adolescents with a history of kidney failure. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate does not decrease the chances of passing infections to others. Inform your doctor before taking Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate if you observe any symptoms of infection or other symptoms like weakness beginning in the hands and feet, muscle weakness and moving up towards the trunk of the body, palpitations (racing or skipping heartbeat), hyperactivity and tremor. Patients should take necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding. Inform your doctor before using Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate if you are older than 65 years of age. Avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to you do not drive while using Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate as Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause dizziness that may affect the ability to drive or use machines. Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be used for children less than 12 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may interact with an antibiotic (gentamycin, tobramycin, pentamidine, vancomycin), antifungal medicines (amphotericin B), antiviral disease (foscarnet, ganciclovir, or cidofovir), anticancer (interleukin-2), medicines used to treat hepatitis B virus (adefovir dipivoxil), pain killer (ibuprofen).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid grapefruit juice and drinking alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should be used with caution in patients with bone disease, severe liver, or kidney diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol while using Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may worsen the condition.
Pregnancy
cautionTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is a category B medicine. It should be used with caution in pregnant women because it may cause side effects to the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeThe active part of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may pass with breast milk. Women who are HIV-positive must not breast-feed, because HIV infection can be passed on to the baby in breast milk.
Driving
cautionTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may cause dizziness. So, avoid driving or refrain from any activities that require you to alert mentally.
Liver
cautionTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Patients with liver disease, who are treated with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, have a higher risk of serious and possibly fatal liver complications.
Kidney
unsafeTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be used in adolescents with kidney disease. In other people with severe kidney diseases, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is given only if clinically needed.
Children
unsafeTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be used in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Option for lean meat such as skinless chicken and fish. Limit processed and high-sugar foods.
- Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, and oranges.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly as it promotes both physical and mental health.
- Take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of infection to other people.
Special Advise
Your doctor may regularly monitor liver function, kidney function, and bone density if you take Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV): It is a virus that suppresses the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time. The suppression of immunity leads to the development of opportunistic infections. It is a life-long condition, and there is no permanent cure. The treatment (antiretroviral therapy) is given to suppress the infection.
Chronic Hepatitis B: It is a severe and long-term liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It spreads by contact with infected body fluids. The symptoms of this condition are abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes.
FAQs
In the case of HIV infection, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate may decrease the risk of spreading the virus to others, but the risks of infecting others still continue. Although, in the case of hepatitis B virus infection, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate has not proven to decrease the risk of transferring the virus to others. Thereby, the patients of both HIV infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection should not share needles and should practice safe sex.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is safe if used in the dose and duration recommended by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's guidelines carefully and inform your doctor if any of the side effects disturb you.
Duration of treatment will depend on the seriousness of hepatitis B virus infection. You will require to take regular blood tests to keep a check on the viral load. Your doctor will then decide the duration of the Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate appropriately. In a few cases, treatment is needed lifelong.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate works by prevents the development of viruses in human cells. This prevents the virus from producing new viruses and cleans up your infection. It can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with HIV and chronic hepatitis B infection.
The main symptoms include yellowing of eyes and skin, flu-like symptoms, pale stools and dark-colored urine.
